United States, North America
San Francisco in December
Rainy but festive: Union Square holiday displays and Ghirardelli lights. Prices rise over the holidays.
The straight answer
December is a quiet, good-value month to visit San Francisco. Rainy but festive: Union Square holiday displays and Ghirardelli lights. Prices rise over the holidays.
- Weather
- Cool and wet, highs near 57F (14C)
- Crowds
- 2 of 5
- Prices
- 3 of 5
What December is like in San Francisco
December is cool and wet, with highs near 57F (14C) and winter storms rolling in. Between storms, the city is bright and festive, with holiday displays around Union Square and lights at Ghirardelli Square. Crowds are light for most of the month, but prices rise over the holidays.
It suits families and couples who want a festive city break and do not mind rain. Plan indoor backups like the California Academy of Sciences and the Exploratorium. For dry trails and warm sun, come back in September or October. Early December is the calmest and cheapest stretch of the month.
Make the most of December
What is especially good about San Francisco this month.
Union Square holiday displays
The shopping district decorates for the season, an easy evening stroll with kids.
Ghirardelli Square lights
Holiday lights and a warm chocolate stop make a good end to a waterfront walk.
Indoor science days
The California Academy of Sciences and the Exploratorium make rainy days easy with kids.
What to pack for December
- A waterproof jacket
- A warm sweater and scarf
- Waterproof shoes
- A compact umbrella
Our timing tip
Visit in the first half of December, before holiday rates kick in, and keep one flexible day for the clearest weather.
Book San Francisco for December.
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- Hotels for December
Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in San FranciscoOpens a hotel search for San Francisco in December, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
- Rentals on Vrbo
Vacation rentals. Vrbo
Vacation rentals in San FranciscoWhole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
- Tours and tickets
Tours and tickets. Expedia
Tours and tickets in San FranciscoTimed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in San Francisco for December. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Things to do in San Francisco
Golden Gate Bridge
Walk or bike across from the south end. The best photo spots are Battery Spencer on the Marin side and Baker Beach. Fog often clears midday.
Alcatraz Island
Tickets sell out weeks ahead in summer and on weekends. The first morning ferry and the night tour are the least crowded.
Golden Gate Park and the California Academy of Sciences
The Academy has an aquarium, planetarium, and rainforest dome under one living roof. A great rainy or foggy day plan.
Exploratorium
Hands-on science museum on Pier 15. Thursday evenings are adults-only After Dark nights.
Ferry Building Marketplace
Go Saturday morning for the farmers market, the best in the city. Weekdays are calmer.
Cable cars
The Powell lines have long waits at the turnarounds. Board a few stops up, or ride the California Street line with shorter lines.
Beat the crowds
- Book Alcatraz as soon as your dates are set. In summer, same-week tickets are rare.
- Visit Fisherman's Wharf, Pier 39, and Lombard Street before 9am. By noon they are packed.
- Stay outside Union Square: Hayes Valley, the Mission, or near the Presidio give you calmer mornings and better food.
- For sunshine in summer, go east or north. The Mission and the East Bay are often sunny when the western neighborhoods are socked in.
Know before you go
- Nearly everything runs year-round. Winter storms can close coastal trails and delay ferries for a day or two.
- Muir Woods requires advance parking or shuttle reservations. Arriving without one means turning around.
- Wildfire smoke from inland California can reduce air quality in late summer and fall. It varies year to year, so check air-quality forecasts before outdoor plans.
- Large conventions (Moscone Center) can push hotel prices sharply higher for a week at a time. Check the convention calendar when comparing dates.
San Francisco in December, quick answers
Is December a good time to visit San Francisco?
December is a quiet, good-value month to visit San Francisco. Rainy but festive: Union Square holiday displays and Ghirardelli lights. Prices rise over the holidays.
What is the weather like in San Francisco in December?
Cool and wet, highs near 57F (14C).
Is San Francisco crowded in December?
December is one of the quieter months in San Francisco; most sights can be done without long waits.
Keep planning San Francisco.
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Before you book.
Sort these two things first.
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